The Vitamin D Cure

Book review time! I saw this at the library and couldn’t pass it up. Surveys estimate that up to 75% of the population are deficient in this crazy-important vitamin. That makes this book a good read for… everyone!

Most of us know vitamin D as the sunshine vitamin, but did you know that wearing sunblock prevents vitamin D absorption?

You also cannot get your daily dose by sitting near a closed window or sitting outside covered in clothing.

Depending on your location, the time of year, skin type and age you need anywhere from 60 minutes to 10 minutes in the sun with arms and legs exposed 3x a week to get adequate vitamin D without a supplement. The book has a chart to help you figure it out. Handy, no?

I bet you’re asking about skin cancer from too much sun exposure, right? The book covers that, too.

The Vitamin D Cure is an easy read, with first-hand accounts of how author James Dowd M.D’s plan has helped his patients relieve joint pain, improve mood and energy and even lose weight. According to Dr. Dowd, adequate vitamin D levels can help those with some of these symptoms and diseases:

Seasonal Affective Disorder/depression during the winter months

Low energy

Chronic pain, aches or swelling in legs

Restless sleep

High blood pressure

Autoimmune disorders

Fibromyalgia

Cancer

What did I love about the book?

Dr. Dowd brings nutrition into the mix.

He cites our overly-acidic diets as having a role in the deterioration of our bones, muscles and joints. The average american diet is filled with meat, grains and dairy which are all very acidic. And, we don’t eat enough alkaline-rich foods (fruits + veggies) to buffer that acid. Maintaining adequate potassium and magnesium levels are two additional contributing factors.

I think his recommendation of a mostly meat + vegetable diet may be beneficial for some people, but others may do better with an alkaline vegetarian diet. Either way, we have to get more vegetables into the mix!

In all, it’s an interesting read. Our vitamin D levels should not be ignored. I wonder how many of us (women, especially) could start feeling more energy and less pain just by spending more time in the sun, upping a supplement and eating just a little healthier?

Let me know in the comments below… what would be the biggest challenge for you in switching from an acidic diet (meat, cheese and grains) to a more alkaline one?

I have been greatly helped preparing more alkaline forming meals for me and the family by always trying to cook two vegetables and have a raw one for the side for dinner. For lunch it may be one vegetable or soup and a salad. But I make the portions smaller, so that we don’t overeat, yet finish all that is on our plate.